New fish - hole in head?!

[Neuratox]

Just picked this up from the local fish store today. I did a quick inspection of all of my fish, but given that I got 13 today I must not have seen this one from the right angle... I was acclimating it and noticed that it had something funky. I have absolutely no idea what this is can anyone ID it?

 

[Alex Cataldo]

That looks like a juvenile Anthias is that correct? Sometimes these guys can get bruises from stress when moving tanks.

 

[Neuratox]

Yes it is. After careful examination I finally came to the conclusion but it is some sort of wound. It's right around the edges and you can see a little bit of the flesh that is loose. Probably keeping it close eye on this girl.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Just picked this up from the local fish store today. I did a quick inspection of all of my fish, but given that I got 13 today I must not have seen this one from the right angle... I was acclimating it and noticed that it had something funky. I have absolutely no idea what this is can anyone ID it?

When I see a new anthias with an "injury" the first thing that comes to mind is Uronema. This lesion however, is a bit darker and more anterior than I usually see. Still, you might want to read this article:

Uronema / Red Band Disease - Hemdal

Red Band Syndrome in Marine Fishes: Caused by the Protozoan; Uronema sp. Jay Hemdal Introduction: This moderately common disease of certain species of marine fish is so often misdiagnosed that most aquarists apply incorrect treatment methods...

www.reef2reef.com

Jay

 

[Neuratox]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Unfortunately, the fish succumbed to its injury and died < 36 hours after I picked it up. Still not sure exactly what caused this, but I will definitely update this thread if for any reason more fish start to show similar symptoms.